Telemarketers

As "Telemarketers" (2023 release; 3 episodes of about an hour each) opens, it is "2010" and we are introduced to Sam, a former telemarketer at Civic Development Group. Sam had worked there for seven years. We then go to "Seven Years Earlier", as young Sam (then only 14 yo), a school drop-out, is given a chance to solicit donation on behalf of charitable organizations. CDG does no background checks on anyone, and many have a criminal record. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this documentary mini-series is co-directed by Sam Lipman-Stern (one of the man subjects of the documentary) and long-time documentarian Adam Bhala Lough. Here they dive deep into the massive grift of telemarketing groups like Civic Development Group. They prey on unsuspecting victims who donate because they believe the funds will go to a good cause, when in reality 90% of the donation goes straight into the pockets of CDG. It is absolutely surreal what we are witnessing here. Episode 1 contains a ton of archive footage as, for reasons unknown, someone decide to videotape a bunch of this stuff starting in 2003. By the end of Episode 1, I was left with the feeling that surely it can't turn worse than this, but of course with still 2 episodes to go, I'm not holding my breath. Can't wait to how all of this plays out.

Episode 1 of "Telemarketers" started streaming on Mx on August 13, 2023 and the remaining 2 episodes will be released on August 20 and 27. This mini-series has received critical acclaim, and there is good reason why it is currently rate 94% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for a hard-hitting documentary mini-series on how telemarketers really operate, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

UPDATE Just saw Episode 2 and as I had expected, this now goes into a vert different direction, namely how the "charity" entities like the FOB are also into the scheme, wow. Cannot wait for EP3.

Like the negative reviews have stated, there are a lot of straight up scumbags interviewed, and maybe it's not as polished and focused as a professional documentary, but it is certainly succeeds at what it sets out to do, which is expose the industry that takes advantage of vulnerable and/or naive Americans to the tone of billions every year. It was really cool to see how CDG evolved, and the footage was complimented by the frank, unscripted interviews they did with the various former employees.

I actually found the approach this documentary takes really entertaining, and I developed a sincere admiration for Pat for his dedication and tenacity. Sure he's not a seasoned journalistic pro, but you could tell he was super passionate about the project, and it showed in the end result. Good stuff, and I actually learned a few things and had many suspicions confirmed about how the industry works.

Blue lives matter people are review bombing this show. Do not listen to them and watch it. Patrick Pespas is a wonderful character, his arc is very inspiring and emotional and the doc is worth watching for that alone but the whole show was great. With many twists and turns narrated by some very interesting (as in, weird) people, it leaves you wanting more until the very last moments. It just shows how rotten and corrupt the system is in America in ways that are actually surprising. How is it possible something like this has ben going on for so long? And it's not even at its worst yet. AI will make sure of it. ACAB!

Had little idea how the telemarketing industry was ran. Probably my not all like this shows, but just WOW!

After watching just the first episode last night, I am really looking forward to the next two.

It will make you angry to find out that very little is dome by the government to shut these boiler room scammers down. They get a slap on the wrist and a fine and continue on with taking/conning money out of people who can't afford to give, but because they have a soft heart and think they are actually helping someone in their community, they give over and over.

I also didn't realize that they are operating all over America and not in some foreign country.

One of the most shocking scams in American history exposed. While I knew about the fraternal Order of Police scam the depths of criminality are absolutely shocking.

The people behind the scam are and the governments lax approach toward protecting prosecuting them is even more disappointing.

However, it honesty and amatuer nature in which its shot that makes it even more engaging. You feel for the average man and it encompasses the shortcomings of the American legal system which punishes the poor and the drug addicted while rewarding the rich and powerful in white collar crime. It is a must watch for auto, telemarketing, and law enforcement.